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General Safety Information
All industrial gases have properties which, if proper precautions are not followed, may cause injury, and possibly death. This
article outlines the hazardous properties of the principal gases supplied by General Air Service, and describes the precautions and safety practices which must be
followed to prevent accidents. It must be noted that it is impossible, in a article of this size to list every conceivable hazard which might occur. Therefore, the
purpose of this article is to list the commonly recognized hazards, precautions, and recommended safety practices for a group of common industrial gases. If you, as
the gas user, are faced with a safety hazard that you don't feel you can control or mitigate, or you simply have a question regarding a gas or its associated equipment,
contact General Air Service immediately.
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General Precautions
In most instances, accidents are caused by improper application, misuse of the gas, or its container by inadequately trained personnel. Other major causes
of accidents (in the use of industrial gases) are: 1) Improper installation. 2) Failure to provide proper and adequately maintained equipment. 3) Failing to follow the
supplier's instructions in the operation of regulators and other compressed gas accessory equipment.
Proper training is essential. He or she must be able to recognize emergency conditions, knowing what action to take under such circumstances, while preventing
exposure. A review of all label information and appropriate MSDS should be completed as a part of the training.
The following are general precautions that should be observed when handling any compressed gas.
- Never identify contents by container color, except
in the case of medical gases. Color codes are not
uniform throughout the compressed gas industry.
- Cylinder contents must be identified by a decal,
label, tag, or stenciling (all referred to herein
as labeling). If an identifying label is lacking
or not legible, return the container to the supplier, unused.
- Industrial gas containers are equipped with outlet
connections that are in accordance with "Compressed
Gas Association's" standard for "Compressed
Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections." Such
fittings are designed to prevent the connection
of a gas container to a gas system with an incompatible
gas. Never circumvent this protection by utilizing
adapters.
- Never abuse gas cylinders by using them for rollers,
blocks, striking arcs, etc.
- Never attempt to lift cylinders by the valve protection
cap.
- Always move large cylinders with a hand-truck specially
designed for transporting cylinders.
- Do not store or transport compressed gases in
closed vans or automobiles.
- Always secure cylinders in transit or in storage
to insure against their tipping over.
- Always use a pressure reducing regulator that is
properly conditioned for the gas being used.
- Never attempt to transfill gas from one cylinder
to another, or mix any gases in a cylinder.
- It is the responsibility of an employer to be certain
that all employees using a gas are familiar with
its specific properties and are properly trained
for handling that gas.
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Storage Requirements
State and local building and fire codes
will apply to the installation and storage of compressed
gases. The following information covers some of the major
requirements for the storage of compressed gases.
- Store all cylinders in designated areas that are
secured.
- Flammable, toxic and Oxygen (or any Oxidizer) shall
be separated from each other by a distance of at
least 20 feet, or by an non-combustible barrier at
least 5 feet high having a fire resistance rating
of at least one-half hour. Inert gases (Argon, Nitrogen,
Helium, Carbon Dioxide), since they are chemically
inert and compatible with all other gases, may be
used within the separation distance.
- Outdoor storage shall be kept clear of dry vegetation
and combustible materials for a minimum distance
of 15 feet.
- Cylinders stored outside shall not be placed
on the ground (earth) or on surfaces where water
can accumulate.
- Storage areas shall be provided with physical protection
from vehicle damage.
- Do not store cylinders near elevators, truck loading
platforms, gangways, or under operating cranes, or
other areas where they can be damaged by falling
objects.
- Cylinders shall not be exposed to temperatures
in excess of 125°F.
- Smoking and open flames shall not be permitted
in Oxygen and flammable gas storage areas or within
20 feet of such areas.
- Observe local codes limits set for the storage
of flammable gases in buildings
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